Iowa junior running back LeShun Daniels Jr., right, runs a drill during Saturday’s open practice at Valley Stadium. Daniels has 51 career carries for 191 yards but is showing he could be a primary option this fall.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)Buy Photo

Iowa had five different rushing leaders in games last year, and none of them were Daniels. The 6-foot, 225-pound junior-to-be had his season shortened by foot surgery.

At Valley, he declared himself 100 percent. With extra conditioning and a heavier dose of fruits and vegetables in his diet, Daniels trimmed 5-to-10 pounds entering the spring.

Saturday, he showed a burst at the line of scrimmage that Iowa didn't have a year ago with Mark Weisman as the primary back, and he also showed patience in letting the zone-blocking scheme create space.

Though Daniels and senior Canzeri (5-9, 192) comprise what Ferentz hopes is a formidable 1-2 punch, sophomores Akrum Wadley and Derrick Mitchell Jr. aren't far behind. Running backs coach Chris White said Wadley (listed at 5-11, 185) has "put on at least 10 pounds this spring" with the help of strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle — and is even a possibility in goal-line and short-yardage situations.

Iowa Hawkeye fans fill up a section of the stadium to see the Hawkeye football team during spring practice on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Members of Iowa's defensive line, from left, Drew Ott, Nathan Bazata, and Jaleel Johnson wait to run a play during spring practice on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Members of Iowa's defensive line, from left, Drew Ott, Nathan Bazata, Jaleel Johnson, and Nate Meier wait to run a play during spring practice on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register

Members of the Iowa offensive line provide junior quarterback CJ Beathard with protection as he runs a play during spring practice on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register